Rizin FF founder Nobuyuki Sakakibara believes Kazushi Sakuraba will likely fight again.
On December 29, 2015, Rizin Fighting Federation held its inaugural show at the Saitama Super Arena - the first of a two-night extravaganza that culminated with the return of Fedor Emelianenko.
In many ways, the debut show was a nostalgic return to the Pride FC days from a decade ago. From the elaborate lighting, to Lenne Hardt's voice booming through the speakers, it was an event that entertained many die-hard Japanese MMA fans.
However, despite the impressive show that included nearly a dozen first round stoppages, Rizin's first show ended on a violent and anticlimactic note when Kazushi Sakuraba and Shinya Aoki stepped into the ring for the evening's main event.